Vintage Postmodern Blue Fused Art Glass Sculptural Bowl, circa 1980

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A striking vintage Postmodern fused art glass bowl, handcrafted circa 1980 in an exceptionally vibrant palette of royal blue, aqua, … Read more A striking vintage Postmodern fused art glass bowl, handcrafted circa 1980 in an exceptionally vibrant palette of royal blue, aqua, turquoise and pale sky blue.

The sculptural vessel is formed around a broad, rounded cobalt-to-royal-blue glass body with dramatically upturned opposing sides. Crossing the center is an elaborate fused-glass geometric band composed of alternating blue and aqua strips arranged in an interlocking basket-weave pattern. The contrast between the fluid curved body and disciplined geometric decoration gives the piece a particularly strong graphic presence.

Rather than functioning simply as a conventional bowl, the piece has an intentionally asymmetric, sculptural profile. The raised ends appear to fold upward from the body, creating changing contours and reflections according to the viewing angle. Light passing through the layered glass intensifies the various shades of blue and reveals the depth created during the kiln-fusing process.

The decoration was created through fused-glass construction, in which individually cut elements of colored glass are assembled and heated in a kiln until they bond together. The subsequent slumping and contouring of the glass produces the smooth rounded edges and gently irregular dimensional surface visible throughout the piece.

These subtle variations are intrinsic to studio glass production and help distinguish an individually handcrafted object from mechanically produced decorative glass.

Dating from approximately the 1980s, the bowl reflects the renewed interest during the period in Studio Glass, geometric abstraction and expressive Postmodern decorative objects. Its saturated coloration and bold basket-weave geometry give it a distinctly architectural quality while maintaining the translucency and visual lightness associated with art glass.

Measuring approximately 11 inches × 9.25 inches, the bowl has enough presence to function as a standalone decorative centerpiece. It would be particularly effective displayed on a coffee table, cocktail table, console, credenza or illuminated shelf where natural light can interact with the transparent and translucent layers.

The combination of cobalt blue, royal blue, turquoise and aqua makes the piece particularly successful in contemporary, Modernist, Postmodern, coastal and eclectic interiors. Against travertine, limestone, parchment, lacquer or pale wood, the saturated blue glass becomes an especially compelling focal point.

Acquired from a Beverly Hills, California private collection. The piece is unmarked and bears no visible signature or maker's hallmark.

The bowl has previously been associated with or attributed to Peter Revelman; however, in the absence of a signature or additional documentation, the attribution should be considered tentative rather than definitive.

A distinctive example of late-20th-century American Studio Glass, combining kiln-fused construction, saturated color and an unusual sculptural basket-weave composition.

Dimensions: 11 in. × 9.25 in.
Period: Circa 1980s
Provenance: Beverly Hills, California private collection
Material: Art glass
Technique: Kiln-fused / slumped glass
Style: Postmodern / Modernist / Studio Glass
Markings: Unmarked / unsigned See less